Tour 14th Century Sergiev Posad

Tour out into the Russian countryside with Celtic Tours, to the town "Sergiev Posad" (formerly Zagorsk). Sergiev Posad was founded in the 14th century and grew around the greatest of Russian monasteries, the trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the finest examples of the early Russian architecture. It grew in the course of several centuries and survived through the Communist era as a religious center. It has played an important role throughout the history of Russia and the development of Russian Orthodox religious art and culture.

Learn more about this amazing town and monastery on your next Russian River Cruise with Celtic Tours.

Summer Departures Available for our 12 Day Russian River Cruise

Tour Russia on Celtic Tours 12 Day Russian River Cruise and enjoy this wonderful itinerary:

DAY 1, Friday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA for Russia. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey

DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in St. Petersburg
Arrive and transfer to your ship for embarkation. The port is approximately a 2 hour drive from the St. Petersburg airport. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Sunday - St. Petersburg City Tour
Enjoy a morning city tour of St. Petersburg. This panoramic tour takes you to Palace Square, St. Isaac's Cathedral and Square, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and many more sights along the way. In the afternoon visit the famous museum, the Hermitage, home to one of the largest and richest collections of Western art in the world. Among the museum's vast collection, which spans six buildings (the most famous being the Winter Palace), priceless works by artists such as Michelangelo, da Vinci, Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, and many others are displayed amid opulent architectural design. This evening, enjoy dinner and the night at leisure on board
Optional: Rivers & Canals in St. Petersburg (PM)
Optional: Ballet Performance (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Monday - Day at Leisure in St. Petersburg
Today is free at leisure to explore St. Petersburg on your own. Long considered Russia's most opulent city, St. Petersburg is today the country's second-largest city after Moscow, and former capital of the Romanov Czars. This evening, enjoy dinner on board and get to know the crew and staff of the MS Russ
Optional: Pushkin Palace & Peterhof Park (AM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Tuesday - Daylight Sailing
Enjoy daylight sailing and the morning at leisure on board. Stop in the romantic village of Mandrogi, whose name literally means "pine-trees on the bog," to enjoy time at leisure to explore the city. Rejoin the ship and continue sailing for Kizhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Wednesday - Open Air Museum
This morning, arrive in Kizhi, a small island featuring one of the most impressive wooden structures ever erected, the Kizhi Church of Transfiguration. The Church is the island's most famous architectural landmark and largely responsible for making Kizhi one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Russia. It features 22 cupolas of striking intricacy and was built without using a single nail. Visit the Church and Open Air Wooden Architecture Museum. Enjoy dinner and the evening at leisure on board
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Thursday - Monastery of St. Cyril
Arrive in Goritsy, an old Russian town of rich historical and cultural heritage. Today, visit the Monastery of St. Cyril, one of Russia's largest monasteries. Established in 1397 on the bank of Lake Siverskoye, the monastery of St. Cyril was once home to the largest monastery church in Northern Russia, the Assumption cathedral, which still stands today. The monastery's fortifying walls, which measure 2400-feet-long and 22 feet thick, are an impressive sight, home to several towers including the Chasuble, the Vologda, and the Tent-like
Optional: Vodka & Blini Tasting Party (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Friday - Yaroslavl City Tour
Arrive this morning in Yaroslavl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a tour of this historic city, one among many in Russia's famous Golden Ring. The tour includes sites such as the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet and a visit to the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. You will also have the opportunity to explore a local market. Dinner on board this evening
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Saturday - Uglich City Tour
This afternoon, arrive in Uglich, one of Russia's oldest cities. Famous in Russian history for the dynastic crisis known as the Time of Troubles, which followed the suspicious death of Prince Dimitry (Ivan the Terrible's youngest son), Uglich is a popular stop when sailing the Volga due to its historic architecture and charm. Enjoy a tour of the city, including visits to the Transfiguration Cathedral and the Church of Prince Dimitry
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Sunday - Moscow City Tour
Arrive to Moscow just after lunch today, and enjoy a panoramic tour of the fabled capital of Russia. Traveling by coach, view the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Novodevichy or “New Maiden” convent, the former headquarters of the KGB, and many more historical sites. Explore Red Square, the most famous city square in Russia and visit GUM, a large department store that could easily be confused with a palace. Enjoy dinner and the evening at leisure on board
Optional: Moscow by Night
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Monday - Kremlin Tour
Today's tour takes you to one of the best-known monuments in Russia, the Kremlin. Venture inside this former residence of the Russian czars on a guided walking tour. See the famous Czar Cannon, the 16th century Czar Bell, and Cathedral Square, home to three of Moscow's most elaborate cathedrals: the Cathedral of Assumption, the Cathedral of Annunciation, and the Cathedral of the Archangel. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the Kremlin grounds on your own before returning to the ship. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner on board
Optional: Moscow Novodevichy Convent (PM)*
Optional: Excursion to Sergiev Posad (PM)*
Optional: Kostroma National Folk Show (PM)**
Optional: Moscow Circus Performance (PM)**
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Tuesday- Depart for the USA
This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. The Moscow airport is approximately a 2 hour drive from the port
Meals: Breakfast

Summer Departures are still available for this amazing Russian River Cruise. Please visit Celtic Tours to learn more about this and other European River Cruises

13 Day Danube, Main, Rhine and Moselle River Cruise (Brilliant) Vienna to Trier

DAY 1, Monday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA for Vienna. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Vienna
Arrive and transfer independently to your ship. Embarkation begins at 4:00 pm and the ship sails for Rossatz at 5:30 pm. Tonight, enjoy a gala welcome dinner on board
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Wednesday - Krems City Tour, Afternoon in Melk
This morning disembark in Rossatz and visit a local winery. Enjoy a tour of the vineyards, explore the cellars, and have an opportunity to taste the wines that have made the Wachau region famous. Next visit Krems, a small city with cozy streets lined with pastel storefronts, beautiful townhouses and boutique shops. Join a walking tour including Steiner Tor, or Stony Gate, a medieval fortification gate built in 1480 and the late-Gothic Piarist church. Continue by coach to meet the ship docked near Melk. The remainder of the day is at leisure
Optional: Beauties of the Wachau (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Thursday - Afternoon in Passau
This morning relax on board as you cruise the scenic Danube River. Arrive to Passau around noon where you will have time to explore the city on your own. Most well known for St. Stephen's Cathedral and its historic Altstatd, or Old City district, the city boasts many fine examples of Baroque and Gothic architecture. Depart for Regensburg in the late afternoon
Optional: Passau City Walk (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Friday - Morning in Regensburg
Arrive in Regensburg this morning and enjoy time at leisure to explore one of the largest cities in Bavaria. Built in 179 BC by the Romans, the remnants of the original Roman architecture are still visible. Other notable sights include the Old Town Hall, St. Peter's Cathedral and one of the oldest stone bridges over the Danube. Set sail for Nuremberg at 1 pm. Guests participating in the optional tour will continue by coach and re-join the guests on the ship at the end of the tour
Optional: Regensburg City Walk (AM)
Optional: Weltenburg Monastery Tour (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


DAY 6, Saturday - Afternoon in Nuremberg
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Nuremberg. Though associated with some of the darkest episodes in German history, contemporary Nuremberg is distinctly cosmopolitan and exciting for people of all ages. Perhaps visit Justice Palace, the venue of the Nuremberg trials, or the main market where you can stroll through the shops on your own. Set sail for Bamberg at 8 pm
Optional: Nuremberg City Tour (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Sunday - Bamberg City Tour
This morning explore the Medieval town of Bamberg, which boasts one of the largest intact old town centers in Europe and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a walking tour including sights such as the 13th-century Romanesque Cathedral, Old Town Hall, the Royal Neue Residence and Bamberg's "Little Venice" area. Sail for Wurzburg at 1 pm
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Monday - Full day in Wurzburg
This morning, arrive in Wurzburg, a commercial and agricultural hub, known for its vineyards and textile production. Walk along the Main River and cross the 15th-century stone bridge. Admire the stunning Romanesque cathedral or visit the Marienberg Fortress, which houses an extensive collection of Riemenschneider's works. This evening enjoy dinner on board
Optional: Wurzburg City Walk (AM)
Optional: Rothenburg City Tour (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Tuesday - Daylight Sailing
Today we arrive in Wertheim, renowned for its well-established glass industry and beautiful medieval buildings. Guests participating in the optional tour will disembark in Wertheim for their tour, while the remaining passengers will continue to cruise to Miltenberg. Passengers enjoying the optional tour will continue via coach to Miltenberg where they will tour the city and re-join the guests on the ship at the end of the tour
Optional: Miltenberg & Wertheim City Walk (AM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Wednesday - Morning in Rudesheim and Koblenz City Tour
This morning arrive in Rudesheim, a lively wine village located in the heart of the Rhine River area. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets, relax at a local cafe, or take the cable car up to the Niederwald monument to admire the panoramic view of the Rhine River below. Return to the ship for lunch and continue our cruise to Koblenz, the site where the Mosel River flows into the Rhine River. Your guided walk through Koblenz will begin in the old quarter, a section of the city that was severely damaged during World War II and later rebuilt. Sights include Church of Our Lady and the equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I at Duchess Eck
Optional: Rudesheim City Walk (AM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Thursday - Morning in Cochem
This morning, arrive in Cochem, a quaint German town known best for its late-Gothic castle and restored timber-framed houses. Walk along the fairytale streets and perhaps sample wine from the surrounding vineyards, many of which have set up shops in town. At noon, sail for Bernkastel
Optional: Cochem City Tour and Wine Tasting (AM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Friday - Morning in Bernkastel
This morning arrive in Bernkastel. The narrow cobblestone streets are dwarfed by the towering ruins of Landshut Castle that rises above the small town. Take a stroll to discover the Renaissance style city hall, Graacher Gate, Market Square, and the Pointed House, which dates to 1416. At 11 am sail for Trier. Tonight, enjoy the Captain's Gala Dinner on board
Optional: Bernkastel City Walk (AM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Saturday - Depart for the USA
This morning, disembark and transfer independently to the airport for your departure flight. The Luxembourg airport is approximately a 45 minute drive from the port. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 am
Meals: Breakfast

Join Celtic Tours for this wonderful European River Cruise of Austria and Germany!

The Oldest Monastery Brewery in the World!

Most people visit the Weltenburg Abbey for the beer, but the abbey church is not to be missed! The Weltenburg Abbey is the oldest monastery in Bavaria. And the oldest monastery brewery in the world.

Situated on a peninsula in the Danube, on the so-called “Weltenburg Narrows”, the Weltenburg Abbey is a perfect stop on your next Danube River Cruise. The Benedictine monastery was founded by Irish or Scottish monks in about 620. The monastery courtyard is surrounded by Baroque buildings, the highlight of which is the abbey church, dedicated to Saint George. The church was built in 1716 by the Asam Brothers. Its’ amazing Baroque Architecture is complimented by beautiful frescos and marble and gilded gold walls.

The Weltenburg Abbey brewery has been in operation since 1050, and is considered the oldest monastery brewery in the world. The Abbey brewery specializes in dunkels, a dark German beer that typical ranges in color from amber to dark reddish brown. Dunkels are characterized by their smooth malty flavor.

Why not stop into the Weltenburg Abbey in Bavaria on your next Danube River Cruise for a dunkel beer or two? Visit Celtic Tours website for a complete listing of all of our European River Cruises.

Cruise the Danube with Celtic Tours

Step aboard this amazing itinerary on Celtic Tours 9 Day Danube River Cruise: From Budapest to Nuremberg:

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart the USA Depart the USA for Hungary. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey

DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Budapest Arrive and transfer independently to the port. Embarkation begins at 4 pm. Tonight, enjoy a gala welcome dinner on board and a scenic cruise of Budapest
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Monday - Budapest City Tour Your morning tour of Budapest begins in Pest and views such sights as Parliament, Royal Palace and Heroes' Square. Cross over to Buda to view the graceful medieval architecture that lines the traditional cobbled streets. Explore the city independently this afternoon, before setting sail for Bratislava at 4 pm
Optional: Excursion to Szentendre (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Tuesday - Full day in Bratislava This morning arrive to Bratislava and enjoy a full day at leisure in the capital of Slovakia. Bratislava is one of the youngest capital cities of Europe yet has a history dating back more than 2000 years. This evening arrive to Vienna where the ship will remain docked overnight
Optional: Vienna by Night Tour (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Wednesday - Vienna City Tour Your morning tour of Vienna begins with a drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard. View the hub of the Hapsburg Empire, and walk the courtyards to view sites such as the Vienna State Opera House, Parliament and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure
Optional: Schonbrunn Castle Tour (PM) *
Optional: Hofburg Imperial Palace Tour (PM) *
Optional: Sound of Vienna Concert (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


DAY 6, Thursday - Daylight Sailing This morning cruise the scenic Wachau Valley renowned for its production of grapes and apricots, which generate some of Austria's finest specialty wines. This afternoon enjoy time at leisure while docked near Melk
Optional: Beauties of the Wachau (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Friday - Afternoon in Passau This morning the ship will remain at port in Linz between 7 and 9:30 am. Continue sailing this morning and arrive to Passau in the late afternoon. Most well known for St. Stephen's Cathedral and its historic Altstatd, or Old City district, the city boasts many fine examples of Baroque and Gothic architecture. Depart for Regensburg just before dinner
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Saturday - Morning in Regensburg Enjoy a walking tour of Regensburg, built in 179 BC by the Romans, today it stands as one of the largest and most well preserved cities in Bavaria. The tour includes such sights as the Old Town Hall, the Dom St. Peter, the Roman Gates at Porta Pretoria, and one of the oldest stone bridges over the Danube. Set sail for Nuremberg just before lunch
Optional: Weltenburg Monastery Tour (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Sunday - Depart for the USA This morning, arrive in Nuremberg and transfer independently to the airport in Munich for your departure flight. The Munich airport is approximately a 2 hour drive from the port. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 am
Meals: Breakfast

Cruise the Danube with Celtic Tours European River Cruises.

12 Day Russian River Cruise: St. Petersburg to Moscow (MS RUSS)

Discover the impressive capitals of St. Petersburg and Moscow and the Russian landscape of traditional towns and villages during this fascinating cruise. Highlights in Moscow include Red Square with the spectacular St. Basil's Cathedral, additional options include the Moscow Circus and the Kostroma National Folk Show. In St. Petersburg, an excursion to the incomparable Baroque grandeur of the Catherine Palace.

Russian River Cruise Package Includes

• 10 nights Tourist Class river cruise on MS Russ
• All transfers
• 29 meals: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
• Shore excursions per itinerary
• Entrance fees per itinerary
  

Special Features

• St. Petersburg City Tour
• Hermitage Museum
• Monastery of St. Cyril
• Moscow City Tour
• Kremlin

Learn more about Celtic Tours River Cruises